Easy ground beef tostadas are my go-to when I want taco flavors with extra crunch. They’re quick to make—ready in about 20 minutes—and endlessly customizable. Pile on shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes and onions, refried beans, and a drizzle of cilantro lime sauce for brightness. These tostadas are perfect for switching up Taco Tuesday or for a fast weeknight meal.
If you enjoy Mexican-inspired recipes, try variations like elote dip, steak tacos, or a simple fajita marinade to round out a week of flavorful meals.
Ingredients for tostadas
- Ground beef – Cooks quickly and provides a savory base.
- Taco seasoning – A quick way to add balanced spice.
- Corn tortillas – Crisp into the crunchy tostada shells; store-bought tostadas work too.
- Refried beans – Keep toppings in place and add fiber and protein.
- Shredded lettuce – Adds fresh crunch.
- Queso fresco or shredded cheese – For a classic finish; queso fresco is especially authentic.
- Mexican crema or sour cream – Adds a cool, tangy touch.
- Diced onions – For bite and texture.
- Diced tomatoes – Add juiciness and freshness.
- Cilantro lime sauce – Optional but bright and creamy when used sparingly.
- Hot sauce – Optional for extra heat.
FAQs for this recipe
Corn tortillas give the classic tostada crunch. Flour tortillas can crisp but will have a different texture and often benefit from deep-frying rather than oven or air-fryer methods.
Common toppings include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, queso fresco, crema or sour cream, avocado, salsa, hot sauce, and cilantro lime sauce. Grilled corn or sliced radishes are great additions too.
Yes. Shredded chicken, fish, or shrimp all make excellent alternatives if you want to vary the protein.
Easy Ground Beef Tostadas
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ pack taco seasoning
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup refried beans
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Mexican crema or sour cream
- Diced onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Cilantro lime sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to crisp the tortillas.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Stir in taco seasoning and the amount of water called for on the packet (for this recipe, using half a packet and about ¼ cup water works well for ½ lb of beef). Simmer briefly until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and keep covered.
- Brush both sides of the corn tortillas with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry for about 4 minutes until crisp. You can crisp the tortillas while the beef cooks.
- Warm the refried beans in the microwave for 1 minute or in a small pot over medium heat until hot.
- To assemble, spread warm refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with taco-seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, cheese, diced onions and tomatoes, and a dollop of crema or sour cream. Finish with cilantro lime sauce or hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 21 g |
Protein: 15 g |
Fat: 17 g |
Sodium: 805 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.